Woakes learns from Anderson

All-rounder Chris Woakes cherished the superb example put in place by fast bowler James Anderson, as England kept command on day one of the final Test match against India at The Oval in London.
All-rounder Chris Woakes cherished the superb example put in place by fast bowler James Anderson, as England kept command on day one of the final Test match against India at The Oval in London.
Anderson has enjoyed a fine stretch of form throughout the five-match series, but largely took a backseat to Woakes on Friday. The talented right-armer secured telling figures of three for 30, as the Indians slumped to 148 all out.
"I speak to Jimmy quite often, particularly in net sessions, on what his thought processes are and what he tries to do with the ball. It's great to be working so closely with him," said Woakes.
"Obviously he is one of England's best ever – so he's not a bad guy to be learning off. I try to pick his brains as much as possible, and hope there's more of that to come."
The 25-year-old Woakes had not played Test cricket in a year prior to July's recalled ahead of the third match. He has since taken five key wickets – and contributed a handful of meaningful cameos with the bat.
"I think I've put a yard of pace on, a few miles per hour quicker. I think I'm a lot more accurate than I was maybe a year to 18 months ago. You can't give the better players any freebies, and I'd say I'm more accurate and a little bit quicker – which helps," he added.
The home side will resume on 62 without loss after 19 overs, as left-handed openers Alastair Cook and Sam Robson target a prompt lead – and a formidable first-innings total.
Latest
-
News
Paul Farbrace: Che Simmons may play for England after signing Warwickshire deal
The 18-year-old has signed a three-year contract.
-
News
Paul Collingwood ‘desperate to help out’ new England coaches, says Rob Key
Australia’s Matthew Mott has been appointed to lead the white-ball team, with Brendon McCullum the new man in charge of the Test side.
-
News
Matt Parkinson out of England squad with Harry Brook and Matthew Potts included
James Anderson and Stuart Broad are back.
-
News
Matthew Mott takes control of England’s white-ball teams – who is the new coach?
The 48-year-old Australian is England’s new limited-overs head coach.
-
News
Australian Matthew Mott named head coach of England men’s white-ball teams
Mott has signed a four-year agreement, having edged out Paul Collingwood for the role.
-
England
Harry Brook and Matthew Potts included in England Test squad
James Anderson and Stuart Broad also return.
-
News
Henry Nicholls thinks Brendon McCullum is an “inspiring” appointment by England
McCullum was appointed England Test head coach last week.
-
News
‘Huge respect between two of us so no animosity’ – James Anderson on Joe Root
Anderson and Stuart Broad are set for England recalls on Wednesday, a couple of months after being jettisoned for the West Indies tour.
-
News
Tom Harrison stepping down as chief executive of the ECB
Managing director of women’s cricket Clare Connor will take over on an interim basis in June.
-
England
Tom Harrison steps down as ECB chief executive
Harrison has been in the post for the last seven years.